The US Youth Soccer ODP is a national identification and development program for high-level players. The program identifies and develops youth players throughout the country to represent their state and regional associations. At the state association level, pools of players are identified in each eligible age group, and brought together as a team to develop their skill through training and competition. From the state pools and subsequent teams, players are identified for regional and national pools and teams. Maryland State ODP teams are comprised of the best Maryland players in various age groups.

To identify a pool of players in each age group from which a United States National Team will be selected for international competition.

To provide high-level training to benefit and enhance the development of players at all levels.

Through the use of carefully selected licensed coaches, develop a mechanism for the enhancement of ideas and curriculum to improve all levels of coaching.

Player and Parent Responsibilities

Before player selections are made and teams are formed, it is the sole responsibility of all players to make an impression on coaches and evaluators during the tryout process in order to be selected as a member of the Maryland Olympic Development Program.

Once selected to an ODP team, players are expected to attend all training sessions and games. Any absences must be communicated to the age group head coach. Players are expected to communicate with age group coaches, team managers or the ODP Head Coach regarding any question or area of concern. Lastly, at this level of competition, devotion to the game of soccer is paramount for success.

Parents must be sensitive to the pressure that most players feel when participating at ODP events. Your positive encouragement toward ALL players at ALL times is appreciated. Please be aware that training times are not to be used for coach/parent conferences. Communcation with coaches should be arranged through the team manager.

Identification Camps

Regional CampsUS YOUTH SOCCER is divided into four regions, each of which offers a regional camp for state association ODP teams in each eligible age group. Maryland is part of Region I. The camps are designed to provide high level competition and training for participating players. During this training and competition, players who are capable of performing at a higher level of play are identified for possible national camp, pool or team participation. Each region varies somewhat as to the specifics and the cost of their camps. For more information concerning the Region I ID Camp, please visit the Region I webiste by clicking here (http://region1.com/clubsite/?p=5517)

National CampNational Camps and Interregional events are held throughout the year at various locations. The National Team Coach or a National Staff Coach is present at these events to observe, train and identify players for placement in the national pool or on a national team. Players for the National Camp are selected at Regional Camp events.